Potential candidates to become the Astros’ next permanent manager

Astros interim manager Tony DeFrancesco breaks down the loss in his first game in his new post.

Astros interim manager Tony DeFrancesco breaks down the loss in his first game in his new post.

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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Astros owner Jim Crane addresses questions about the managerial situation during the press conference after Tony DeFrancesco's first game as interim manager.

Astros owner Jim Crane addresses questions about the managerial situation during the press conference after Tony DeFrancesco's first game as interim manager.

Photo: Cody Duty / Houston Chronicle

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Tony DeFrancesco discusses his first game as Astros interim manager.

Tony DeFrancesco discusses his first game as Astros interim manager.

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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Astros interim manager Tony DeFrancesco greets pitcher Lucas Harrell before his first game as interim manager.

Astros interim manager Tony DeFrancesco greets pitcher Lucas Harrell before his first game as interim manager.

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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Astros interim manager Tony DeFrancesco hugs first baseman Brett Wallace before the game. DeFrancesco was Wallace's manager earlier this season in Class AAA Oklahoma City as well as in Sacramento when they were both in the A's organization. less

Astros interim manager Tony DeFrancesco hugs first baseman Brett Wallace before the game. DeFrancesco was Wallace's manager earlier this season in Class AAA Oklahoma City as well as in Sacramento when they ... more

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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Astros interim manager Tony DeFrancesco looks out onto the field before his first game as a big league manager.

Astros interim manager Tony DeFrancesco looks out onto the field before his first game as a big league manager.

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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Astros interim manager Tony DeFrancesco adjusts his hat in the dugout before the 8-1 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Astros interim manager Tony DeFrancesco adjusts his hat in the dugout before the 8-1 loss to the Diamondbacks.

Ty Van Burkelo will assume the responsibilities of hitting coach on an interim basis.

Ty Van Burkelo will assume the responsibilities of hitting coach on an interim basis.

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow will begin a search for the next permanent manager.

Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow will begin a search for the next permanent manager.

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said he was unhappy with the results on the field.
“It’s nobody’s fault in particular, but we do want to move forward as positive as we can, win as many games as we can the rest of this year and put ourselves in position to have a successful 2013.” less

Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow said he was unhappy with the results on the field.
“It’s nobody’s fault in particular, but we do want to move forward as positive as we can, win as many games as we ... more

Photo: Cody Duty / Chronicle

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Potential candidates to become the Astros' next permanent manager

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Consider if you will …

A look at some of the potential candidates to replace Brad Mills as Astros manager on a full-time basis:

Internal candidates

Tony DeFrancesco
interim manager

Neither Jim Crane nor Jeff Luhnow sounded that enthusiastic about his candidacy, but he will be considered and does have a place somewhere next year.

Joe Pettinibench coach

Passed over for the interim tag, he could have a fresh start from the organization in his future next year.

Dan Radisoninterim first-base coach

An intriguing possibility as a Luhnow confidant respected by the GM. If he’s not manager, expect him to be on the big league staff, as hitting coach or in his current role.

External candidates

Jose OquendoCardinals third-base coach

As the Astros fashion themselves as Cardinals South, look out for the presumed most qualified on a St. Louis coaching staff that includes first-base coach Chris Maloney.

Bo PorterNationals third-base coach

A Houston resident and former D-Backs bench coach, he is on the staff of the league’s best team and has been a regular on the managerial interview circuit.

The big names

Tony La Russa has the Cardinals connection, but why take on a rebuilding project? Terry Francona would be awkward as a Brad Mills mentor. Manny Acta, a former Astros minor league manager, would have to be fired by the fading Indians.